Determining the energy balances of black carrot cultivation in Türkiye

Abstract

Black carrot (known as Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) production of Turkey is increasing day by day. New production fields are added to existing ones and production are ever increasing. Black carrot is processed as concentrated and used as a natural colorant for the color of purple and tones in food and beverage industries. Black carrot is also consumed as a fermented beverage. However, the studies carried out on black carrot culture in Turkey are highly limited. This study was carried out to determine energy balances in black carrot production since it is a significant source of income. Results revealed that direct and indirect total energy input in black carrot cultivation was 58 014.8 MJ/ha, total energy output was 119 560 MJ/ha, Output/input ratio (OI) was 2.06 and net energy ratio (NER) was 1.06.